National Geographic Channel adapting 'Killing Reagan' as a TV movie

Bill O'Reilly stands on the field before the game at Shea Stadium in New York City on April 22, 2007. National Georgraphic Channel is adapting O'Reilly's new book "Killing Reagan" as a TV movie. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

Former President Ronald Reagan died on June 5, 2004 in Los Angeles at the age of 93. National Geographic Channel is adapting O'Reilly's new book "Killing Reagan" as a TV movie. File Photo by UPI
| License Photo

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- National Geographic Channel says it is teaming up with Scott Free Productions for a movie based on the the book Killing Reagan by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.

Published this week, the book explores the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan and how that impacted his presidency.

The film version of the tome will follow the network's three most-watched programs: Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy and Killing Jesus, which were also adaptations of bestsellers penned by O'Reilly and Dugard.

No casting or anticipated air date for the latest installment in the small-screen franchise were announced.

"Over the past three years, Scott Free Productions and National Geographic Channels have been incredible partners in bringing my books to life, and I'm confident Killing Reagan will be no different," O'Reilly said in a statement. "Their formula for translating these stories from the page to the screen, using A-list talent both in front of and behind the camera, has proven to be successful with both audiences and the industry at large."

"Scott Free has had great working experiences with the National Geographic Channel and Bill O'Reilly from the outset, so we're really pleased that we can continue the relationship," added producer Ridley Scott. "We're very proud of the programs we have produced together and look forward to collaborating once more."

"Our audience has proven to have a real appetite for compelling, authentic stories. As we prepare to air our four-hour movie event Saints & Strangers later this fall, we are excited to continue our momentum in the scripted genre by adding this fourth collaboration with Bill O'Reilly and Scott Free to our slate," remarked NGC's Tim Pastore. "No matter what political party you side with, there is no doubt Ronald Reagan's presidency has had a lasting impact on global policies in our modern world. Presenting this story, especially during what's sure to be a heated election year, provides an opportunity to not only look back, but to see where it has brought us today."

Reagan -- a former actor and California governor -- died in 2004 at the age of 93 after serving two terms as president 1981-89. He was gunned down by John Hinckley Jr. shortly after he was elected the first time and became the first serving U.S. president to survive being shot in an assassination attempt.